The Marshall Centre at UWA

19/08/2026

Building new pathways for research collaboration 🌏🔬

Last week, the Marshall Centre welcomed a delegation from Shantou University Medical College (SUMC), following a connection through Professor Minghao Zheng, with the visit facilitated by UWA Uni Link.

Based in Guangdong, China, SUMC is part of Shantou University and is supported by the Li Ka Shing Foundation. With strengths spanning medical education, clinical training and research, SUMC has a strong international outlook and a long history of academic collaboration and exchange.

The delegation, led by Vice Dean Mr Chuqun Chen, alongside Professor Changmin Lin, Dr Kezhou Wu, Associate Professor Le Tang and Professor Gefei Wang, was welcomed by our Director, Professor Charlene Kahler, and Dr Alfred Chin Yen Tay.

Both sides showcased their flagship research areas and current projects, before discussing where our research strengths and interests could align. The conversation also explored potential collaboration opportunities, including pathways for PhD students to undertake research and training at the Marshall Centre.

It was a productive exchange and a positive step towards strengthening research and education links between our institutions, and we look forward to seeing where this connection leads.

17/08/2026

Little scientists, big curiosity! 🧬🔬

Last Friday was full of energy and curious minds as 79 students, parents and teachers from Shenzhen Experimental School visited the School of Biomedical Sciences.

Hosted by UWA Global Engagement and the School of Biomedical Sciences, the morning began with a warm welcome from Ms Rachel Darovic, followed by Professor Charlene Kahler, Head of the School of Biomedical Sciences and Director of the Marshall Centre, who introduced students to biomedical science, the work of Professor Barry Marshall and the late Professor Robbie Warren of the Marshall Centre and the many study and career pathways science can open up.

Then came the colourful part! 🍬 Dr Nina McCarthy brought genetics to life with a hands-on jelly bean activity, giving students a fun and interactive way to explore genetic concepts.With students ranging from primary school age, the visit was a lovely reminder that curiosity about science can start young. Sometimes, a simple hands-on experience, a new idea or a visit to a university can be the spark that inspires a future scientist.

A big thank you to everyone who helped make the visit happen, and to our Shenzhen visitors for bringing such wonderful energy and curiosity to the room.

14/08/2026

A hands-on Winter School experience 🔬🎓

Today marks the completion of the School of Biomedical Sciences Winter School Study Program for Medical and Health Sciences 2026, bringing together 68 medical students from China for several weeks of learning, research and study experience at UWA.

As part of the program, students joined research groups across the School, including the Marshall Centre, where they gained hands-on experience in laboratory techniques, bacterial culture and observing microbial growth. At the Marshall Centre, students were supervised by Dr Alfred Chin Yen Tay, Associate Professor Mitali Sarkar-Tyson and Dr. Ritika Kar Bahal.

The program concluded today with a completion ceremony, with Professor Charlene Kahler and Professor Minghao Zheng sharing a few words with the students and celebrating their achievements.

Congratulations to all our Winter School students, and a big thank you to UWA Uni Link, the researchers, supervisors and staff who made this experience possible.

30/07/2026

Every discovery starts with people, partnerships and curiosity. 🔍

Our latest Marshall Centre Newsletter – Edition 4 showcases the research, collaborations and community that continue to drive infectious diseases research and training at UWA.

Inside this edition:
🔬 Research achievements and awards
🤝 International collaborations and visiting delegations
🌏 Student exchange and training programs
🧬 Conference highlights and research impact
💙 Philanthropic partnerships supporting the future of infectious diseases research

We hope you enjoy the read!

📖 Read the newsletter:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAHMDeDniOw/lq0tbpZnq2KS3wyngqM14Q/view?utm_content=DAHMDeDniOw&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hb0cb965860 #5

Check out this A4 designed by vanessa chong.

20/07/2026

Welcoming another cohort of future researchers

For the second consecutive year, the Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training was delighted to welcome 52 students from Zhengzhou University as they began their study abroad experience in Perth.

Following their laboratory safety induction with Dr Alfred Chin Yen Tay, part of the cohort will return to the Marshall Centre during their four-month stay for a two-week Medical Talent Research Program, gaining hands-on experience in biomedical and infectious diseases research.

The students were also welcomed by Consul Mr Wang Shuwei and Vice-Consul Ms Zhao Zhiwei from the Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Perth. Ms Zhao shared practical advice on consular support, scam prevention and the services available to assist Chinese students during their time in Australia.

Hosted by UWA Uni Link, the program provides a valuable opportunity for students to experience Australia's research environment while fostering international collaboration and learning.

We look forward to working with the students over the coming weeks.

14/07/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Emma Eguchi-Fergusson from the Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training on receiving the Shellam Fund for Research in Microbiology and Infectious Disease at last week's School of Biomedical Sciences Prize Ceremony!

The ceremony was opened by Professor Charlene Kahler, Head of the School of Biomedical Sciences and Director of the Marshall Centre, celebrating the outstanding achievements of students and researchers across the School.

The Shellam Fund recognises and supports emerging researchers whose work will help advance microbiology and infectious diseases research.
Congratulations, Emma, on this well-deserved achievement, and congratulations to all the students recognised at the Prize Ceremony. We wish you every success in your future studies and research.

06/07/2026

Marshall Centre research showcased at ASM 2026

The Australian Society for Microbiology (ASM) Annual National Meeting 2026 once again brought together Australia's microbiology community to share discoveries, challenge ideas and build new collaborations.

This year's meeting highlighted the depth of microbiology research taking place across the country, with a particularly strong contribution from Western Australian researchers. It was equally encouraging to see the outstanding quality of work presented by early career researchers, reflecting a bright future for Australian microbiology.

The Marshall Centre was proud to contribute across the scientific program. Dr Ritika Kar Bahal presented her latest research on translating microbiome signals into potential interventions for childhood respiratory tract infections and co-chaired the Food Microbiology session. Invited symposium speakers from the Marshall Centre were Dr Lucy Furfaro, A/Prof Allison Imrie, A/Prof Georg Fritz and A/Prof Yit-Heng Chooi– all of whom gave fabulous talks about their recent work. Dr Lucy Furfaro presented her work on Group B Streptococcus bacteriophages and targeted therapies, while Bonnie Hyatt, from A/Prof Tim Barnett’s team, showcased her research into commensal-dependent penicillin resistance in Group A Streptococcus. Xinyuan Zhu from Prof Mark Nicol’s team was the ASM Nancy Millis student award winner for 2026. Roland Politan, from Georg Fritz’s team, presented in the ASM Dena Lyras ECR awards session. Congratulations to all the team members who presented in the poster sessions which were very lively and well attended.

Reflecting on the conference, Dr Nicole Bdzyl said:

"A key takeaway for me from this conference was that the future is bright for Australian-led microbiology discoveries, with some amazing early career researchers presenting their work in the awards sessions."

Scientific meetings like ASM play an important role in bringing researchers together—not only to share discoveries, but to exchange ideas, spark new collaborations and inspire the next generation of microbiologists. Thank you to the ASM organising committee, speakers and delegates for another engaging and productive meeting.

25/06/2026

It was a pleasure to welcome Mr Oliver Pincott to the Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training yesterday, who was received by our Director Professor Charlene Kahler, Deputy Director Professor Mark Nicol, together with Ms Kate McKenzie and Ms Liz Fu.

During the visit, we shared an overview of the Centre’s work across infectious diseases research and global health, and had some thoughtful discussions around how research translates into real-world impact.

We’re very grateful to Oliver for taking the time to visit and spend time with the team. These conversations are always valuable, and it’s always encouraging to connect with people who are genuinely interested in the work we do.

Thanks again for your visit, Oliver — much appreciated.

23/06/2026

🌏 Welcoming Dr Chen Zhou to the Marshall Centre

The Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training is delighted to welcome Dr Chen Zhou from the Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, as a Visiting Scholar.

Dr Zhou is a clinician-scientist and postdoctoral researcher affiliated with the West China–Marshall Research Center for Infectious Diseases. Her research focuses on liver regeneration and the hepatic microenvironment, with a particular interest in understanding the mechanisms that support liver repair and recovery.

During her time at the Marshall Centre, Dr Zhou will explore the interplay between Helicobacter pylori infection and the hepatic microenvironment, with a focus on gut–liver axis-mediated immune regulation and its impact on liver regeneration.

We are pleased to continue strengthening our longstanding collaboration with West China Hospital and look forward to the exchange of knowledge, ideas and research expertise during Dr Zhou’s visit.

Please join us in welcoming Dr Zhou to the Marshall Centre.

18/06/2026

🍯 A sweet moment in the spotlight — Assoc. Professor Kate Hammer was recently interviewed by ABC about Australian honey and its scientific and wider community interest.

The conversation explored honey as a topic of ongoing curiosity across science and health, touching on why it continues to attract attention from both researchers and the public.

The interview has not yet been released, but it was a great opportunity to contribute to a broader public discussion and share perspectives in an accessible way.

We look forward to the feature being published soon.

Thank you ABC for the opportunity!